Genesis 2:3

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

And God {H430} blessed {H1288} the seventh {H7637} day {H3117}, and sanctified {H6942} it: because {H3588} that in it he had rested {H7673} from all his work {H4399} which God {H430} created {H1254} and made {H6213}.

God blessed the seventh day and separated it as holy; because on that day God rested from all his work which he had created, so that it itself could produce.

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished.

And God blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; because that in it he rested from all his work which God had created and made.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 2:3 concludes the creation account, immediately following the narrative of God's six days of creative work. It marks the culmination of God's initial phase of interaction with His newly formed cosmos, as detailed from Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:2. After declaring all His work "very good" (Genesis 1:31), this verse describes God's action concerning the seventh day, establishing a pattern that would later become foundational for humanity.

Key Themes

The Divine Pattern of Rest

  • Cessation, Not Exhaustion: God's "rested" (Hebrew: shabat) does not imply weariness or exhaustion. Rather, it signifies a cessation of His creative activity, a declaration that His work was complete and perfect. It highlights God's sovereignty and the perfection of His creation, needing no further additions or improvements.
  • A Precedent for Humanity: This divine rest establishes a profound principle for human life. By resting on the seventh day, God sets a pattern for a rhythm of work and rest, a concept later codified in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11) as the Sabbath. This rhythm is essential for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Sanctification and Blessing

  • Blessed (Hebrew: barak): God "blessed" the seventh day, meaning He imparted divine favor and designated it as a source of good and prosperity. This blessing elevates the day, making it distinct and beneficial.
  • Sanctified (Hebrew: qadash): To "sanctify" means to set apart as holy, sacred, or consecrated for a special purpose. God made the seventh day distinct from the other six, marking it as a time dedicated to Himself and His purposes. This act of sanctification reveals God's intent for humanity to recognize and honor this day.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rested" is shabat (ืฉึธืื‘ึทืช), from which the word "Sabbath" is derived. It literally means "to cease" or "to desist." This emphasizes the completion of God's creative activity rather than a need for recuperation. The terms barak (ื‘ึธึผืจึทืšึฐ - "blessed") and qadash (ืงึธื“ึทืฉื - "sanctified") underscore the unique status and purpose God assigned to this day.

Practical Application

Genesis 2:3 offers timeless principles relevant to modern life. It underscores the importance of rest, not as idleness, but as a divinely ordained necessity for human flourishing. It encourages us to:

  • Embrace a Rhythm of Rest: Recognize the wisdom in God's pattern of work and rest. Just as God ceased His labor, we too need periods of cessation from our daily tasks for physical and spiritual renewal.
  • Honor God's Completion: The verse reminds us that God's work is perfect and complete. We can rest in the assurance of His finished work, both in creation and in redemption.
  • Set Apart Time for God: The sanctification of the seventh day encourages us to set apart specific times for worship, reflection, and spiritual connection with God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. This principle points to the ultimate Sabbath rest that remains for the people of God in Christ.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:3

    Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

  • Ezekiel 20:12

    Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I [am] the LORD that sanctify them.

  • Mark 2:27

    And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

  • Luke 23:56

    And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

  • Exodus 31:13

    Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you.

  • Exodus 31:17

    It [is] a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

  • Exodus 34:21

    Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.
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